HIBAPRESS
Search and sweeping operations are continuing for the traditional fishing boat "Lalla Khadija," which was delayed in its return to the port of Safi under unclear circumstances, with five sailors on board, according to the Interministerial Delegation for Maritime Fisheries.
The ministry stated in a press release that its services received a notification on Friday, October 23rd, at 5 PM, from the boat's owner, registered under number 7-7016, stating that its return to the port was delayed beyond the usual time.
The same source added that search operations began immediately after receiving the notification, under the supervision of the Bniqqa Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center, which alerted various boats and commercial transport ships in or passing through the area, with the aim of locating the missing boat.
The sweeping operations included the rescue patrols of the ports of Safi and Agadir, in addition to a number of fishing boats and commercial vessels whose routes were diverted towards the search area, as well as the mobilization of two helicopters belonging to the Royal Gendarmerie and the Royal Navy, which conducted several aerial sorties to locate the boat.
The ministry confirmed that search operations are still ongoing with the mobilization of civilian and military maritime and aerial resources, despite the difficult weather and sea conditions in the area, indicating continued coordination between all involved parties to find the boat and its crew.
The ministry announced that it will provide the public with updates related to the incident as soon as confirmed data is available.
